US: Markit Manufacturing PMI drops to 50.6 vs. 52.5 expected


In its 'Flash U.S. PMI' report, the IHS Markit said that the Manufacturing PMI in May dropped to 50.6 from 52.6 in April while the Composite PMI fell to 50.9 from 53. Both of these reading fell short of the market expectations and with the initial reaction the US Dollar Index retreated from the 2-year high that it set in the last hour at 98.37 and was last seen up 0.2% at 98.27.

Key takeaways from the press release

  • The seasonally adjusted IHS Markit Flash U.S. Services PMI Business Activity Index posted 50.9 in May, down from 53.0 in April, to indicate a notable slowdown in service sector  business activity. 
  • Chris Williamson, Chief Business Economist: "Growth of business activity slowed sharply in May as trade war worries and increased uncertainty dealt a further blow to order book growth and business confidence."
    • “The slowdown has been led by manufacturing, but shows increasing signs of spreading to services."
    • "Trade wars remained top of the list of concerns among manufacturers, alongside signs of slower sales and weaker economic growth both at home and in key export markets."
Share: Feed news

Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.

If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.

FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.

The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.

Recommended content


Recommended content

Editors’ Picks

EUR/USD hovers around 1.0700 after German IFO data

EUR/USD hovers around 1.0700 after German IFO data

EUR/USD stays in a consolidation phase at around 1.0700 in the European session on Wednesday. Upbeat IFO sentiment data from Germany helps the Euro hold its ground as market focus shifts to US Durable Goods Orders data.

EUR/USD News

USD/JPY refreshes 34-year high, attacks 155.00 as intervention risks loom

USD/JPY refreshes 34-year high, attacks 155.00 as intervention risks loom

USD/JPY is renewing a multi-decade high, closing in on 155.00. Traders turn cautious on heightened risks of Japan's FX intervention. Broad US Dollar rebound aids the upside in the major. US Durable Goods data are next on tap. 

USD/JPY News

Gold price trades with mild negative bias, manages to hold above $2,300 ahead of US data

Gold price trades with mild negative bias, manages to hold above $2,300 ahead of US data

Gold price (XAU/USD) edges lower during the early European session on Wednesday, albeit manages to hold its neck above the $2,300 mark and over a two-week low touched the previous day.

Gold News

Worldcoin looks set for comeback despite Nvidia’s 22% crash Premium

Worldcoin looks set for comeback despite Nvidia’s 22% crash

Worldcoin price is in a better position than last week's and shows signs of a potential comeback. This development occurs amid the sharp decline in the valuation of the popular GPU manufacturer Nvidia.

Read more

Three fundamentals for the week: US GDP, BoJ and the Fed's favorite inflation gauge stand out Premium

Three fundamentals for the week: US GDP, BoJ and the Fed's favorite inflation gauge stand out

While it is hard to predict when geopolitical news erupts, the level of tension is lower – allowing for key data to have its say. This week's US figures are set to shape the Federal Reserve's decision next week – and the Bank of Japan may struggle to halt the Yen's deterioration. 

Read more

Forex MAJORS

Cryptocurrencies

Signatures